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tannertan36
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@the-haunted-self
Hey lovely humans! I hope y’all are having a good day :)
I made this blog to promote my AO3 stuff- so yea!
My user is The_Haunted_Self or you can just click this link!
An Archive of Our Own, a project of the Organization for Transformative Works
Right now it’s gonna be Doctor Who and Seven Deadly Sins (Escalin) fics mostly, so if you’re interested- please check it out :D
I’ll definitely get distracted and post other things here though… RIP 🥲
well-written villains with tragic pasts (◕‿◕✿)
well-written villains who are bad just because they are bad (◕‿◕✿)
well-written villains with sympathetic motives (◕‿◕✿)
well-written villains with evil motives (◕‿◕✿)
well-written villains with a chance of redemption (◕‿◕✿)
well-written villains with no chance of redemption (◕‿◕✿)
well-written villains (◕‿◕✿)
Me, an artist:
rereading my own writing is just a constant fluctuation between "damn, girl, you wrote this? (affectionate)" and "damn, girl, you wrote this? (derogatory)"
lovely little domestic prompts
feel free to use! :)
running their love interest a bath after a long work day
covering the sharp part of the table when they pass so they don’t hit their hip
“your mom is coming over today.” “tell her to bring fried rice or she’s not invited.” “you tell her, she’s your mom.” “but she likes you more!”
deciding together how they want their house to look
painting their child’s room together
“i meant it when i said i wanted to start a family with you.”
baby-proofing everything not because they have a child or are planning for one but because one character is clumsy as hell and the other is a worried mess alllll the time because of it
“wake up and come get breakfast, love.” “…. now…….. when i said yes to this whole marriage thing i thought we were on the same page and you understood when i said i don’t wake up before 6pm.” “i made hashbrowns.” “i’ll be right there.”
one character covering the other with a blanket when they fall asleep watching a movie on the couch
making tea or coffee for their love interest before bed (and just the fact that they know exactly how they like their tea and coffee swooon)
cooking anything together honestly, not even needing to ask where the items are because they’re so in tune and used to each other
“where’s the new coffee mix?” “i’ll tell you if you tell me where you put the keys?” “i TOLD you i don’t know where—”
long movie nights where one is in charge of the blanket and pillow fort and one is in charge of the snacks
them going on a short trip and one character nagging the other about bringing their allergy meds
nagging in general, frankly
“it’s your turn to do the dishes.” “let’s get a divorce.” “we aren’t married yet, my love.” “well we sure as hell aren’t getting married now.”
“i am one hundred percent content to stay with you on this couch until the end of time.” “that sounds pretty damn lovely to me.”
Short Prompt #540
Villain sat on the cold concrete floor, back reating against the wall. In their hand was a bright yellow tennis ball, which they threw at the opposite side of the room.
It bounced against the wall, and flew up in an arch before fell to the ground, and returning to the villain's palm, from where they chucked it once more.
The rhythmic thunks echoed through the cell, and prison hallway, filling in the usual silence.
Meanwhile, on the other side of the metal bars, watching the criminal, stood Hero. Their eyes trailed after the ball, locked onto its movement. "Where the hell did you get that?"
FEBUWHUMP 2022 IS HERE!
the prompts this year were chosen through a suggestion poll and subsequent vote; the top 28 make up the core prompts and a mixture of the next most popular and the blog’s personal favourites have become the alternates!
i’m super excited to see what you all create with these prompts! if you have any questions, make sure to check out the blog’s FAQ or send an ask!
please note: this year, notifying the blog of completionist status will happen through a google form that will be released closer to the end of febuwhump.
and click here if you’re interested in the bonus march 1st prompt known as febuclown!
full write up of prompts and rules under the cut:
Keep reading
I think hurt/comfort is the only thing I tend to write, but man. It’s so satisfying and adorable and ugh, love it. It’s writing angst and fluff within the same 1,500 words and having it work like a charm. I’m a one trick pony, but I feel like it’s fiiiine when the trick is my favorite genre
ALSO I HAVE A DECENT ESCALIN IDEA TOO!! It’s just not very solid yet, but we’re getting there :,)
Me?? Actually writing something?? It’s a goddamn miracle. I’ve been gone so long (life is shitty what can I say) but I actually think I have a banger idea for a Thoschei/Twissy/Twelve x River fic. All of the above or however you wanna see it really. If I go through with it, it’s gonna be multi-chap too- wish me luck, I’ve never actually written one before
Only loosely related, but I love her autistic-coded ass more than life man
𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐒𝐒𝐔𝐑𝐀𝐍𝐂𝐄 𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐌𝐏𝐓𝐒.
idk what this is my dudes, i got angsty, then spot.ify gave me a soft song, and i decided to resolve the angst briefly by writing up these! i hope y’all enjoy!
DIALOGUE PROMPTS.
“ hey, look at me… you can do this. okay? you can. “
“ it’s gonna work out, alright? i promise.
“ you’re not alone, okay? not anymore. i’m right here with you. “
“ you good? “
“ here. hold my hand. you get scared again, squeeze tight, and i’ll help you. got it? “
“ shh… it’s okay… breathe with me, okay? in… and out… good job. “
“ we’re gonna figure all this out together, i promise. “
“ that’s it… there we go, good job… let it all out. “
“ of course i came. you called me. what’s wrong? “
“ hey, why don’t we get out of here? would that be better? “
“ you wanna get out of here? i know a great coffee shop a few blocks away. “
“ do you wanna talk about this, or be distracted, or left alone? “
“ you don’t have to be so strong all the time. it’s okay. cry. i’ll be strong for both of us. “
“ hey, i got you some water. drink it all, you’ll feel better. “
“ it’s been a long day. why don’t you stay here tonight? i can take the sofa. “
“ c’mon, you gotta eat something. and i can’t cook, so take-out it is. eat up. “
“ let’s go for a walk. staying here is the worst thing we can do, right? “
“ don’t you pay any heed to those morons. they don’t know you. not like i do. “
“ it’s okay. i got you… “
“ we don’t need to talk unless you want to. i’m happy to just sit with you for a while. “
“ it’s alright. you take your time… i’m gonna be right here whenever you want to talk, okay? “
ACTION PROMPTS.
[ KNEE ]: sender gently rests a hand on the receiver’s knee to stop them from shaking it.
[ MOUTH ]: sender notices the receiver’s distress from across a crowded room, and silently mouths “are you okay?” to them.
[ SIT ]: sender guides the receiver into a seat after noticing them becoming upset.
[ BESIDE ]: sender sits next to the troubled receiver at a social event so that they don’t have to feel alone.
[ BACK ]: sender rests a gentle hand against the receiver’s back, silently checking in on them.
[ HAND ]: sender takes a gentle hold of the receiver’s hand, as a form of emotional support and reassurance.
[ JOIN ]: sender follows the emotionally unsettled receiver out of a crowded party and into a secluded space to check on their well-being.
[ BREATHE ]: sender begins to take slow, deliberately even breaths, encouraging the receiver to copy their motions until their own breathing is back to normal.
[ SPOON ]: sender lies beside the receiver and becomes the big spoon to comfort them.
[ GLANCE ]: sender glances at the receiver while in a public setting to assure them they aren’t alone, and ground them in doing so.
[ BLOCK ]: sender deliberately stands in front of the receiver to prevent them from seeing something that may upset them further.
[ SHIELD ]: sender deliberately stands in front of the receiver to protect them from a targeted attack (verbal or physical).
[ DISTRACT ]: sender, noticing receiver’s distress, provides a distraction for them (by conversation, a mobile game, a detour, etc.).
[ ARRIVE ]: sender shows up at the receiver’s door after receiving a troubled phone call from the receiver.
[ CIRCLE ]: sender rubs slow circles on the receiver’s back while hugging them in an effort to calm them down.
[ FOREHEAD ]: sender lowers their head to press their forehead against the receiver’s, trying to comfort them in the process.
[ ANCHOR ]: sender places a hand on the back of the receiver’s neck and pulls them close in an effort to physically and emotionally ground them.
[ HOLD ]: sender holds out their hands to the receiver, either to hold hands or to hold them.
[ AROUND ]: while sitting together, the sender quietly wraps an arm around the receiver’s shoulders as a support.
[ SHOULDER ]: sender reaches out and places a hand on the receiver’s shoulder, both to catch their attention and silently ask if they’re okay.
[ JACKET ]: sender notices the receiver beginning to shake after an immensely distressing incident, and removes their own jacket to wrap it around the receiver’s shoulders.
[ CATCH ]: sender, noticing the receiver’s legs beginning to give out beneath them, rushes over to them and catches them before they collapse to the ground.
Words for Skin Tone | How to Describe Skin Color
We discussed the issues describing People of Color by means of food in Part I of this guide, which brought rise to even more questions, mostly along the lines of “So, if food’s not an option, what can I use?” Well, I was just getting to that!
This final portion focuses on describing skin tone, with photo and passage examples provided throughout. I hope to cover everything from the use of straight-forward description to the more creatively-inclined, keeping in mind the questions we’ve received on this topic.
Standard Description
Basic Colors
Pictured above: Black, Brown, Beige, White, Pink.
“She had brown skin.”
This is a perfectly fine description that, while not providing the most detail, works well and will never become cliché.
Describing characters’ skin as simply brown or beige works on its own, though it’s not particularly telling just from the range in brown alone.
Complex Colors
These are more rarely used words that actually “mean” their color. Some of these have multiple meanings, so you’ll want to look into those to determine what other associations a word might have.
Pictured above: Umber, Sepia, Ochre, Russet, Terra-cotta, Gold, Tawny, Taupe, Khaki, Fawn.
Complex colors work well alone, though often pair well with a basic color in regards to narrowing down shade/tone.
For example: Golden brown, russet brown, tawny beige…
As some of these are on the “rare” side, sliding in a definition of the word within the sentence itself may help readers who are unfamiliar with the term visualize the color without seeking a dictionary.
“He was tall and slim, his skin a russet, reddish-brown.”
Comparisons to familiar colors or visuals are also helpful:
“His skin was an ochre color, much like the mellow-brown light that bathed the forest.”
Modifiers
Modifiers, often adjectives, make partial changes to a word.The following words are descriptors in reference to skin tone.
Dark - Deep - Rich - Cool
Warm - Medium - Tan
Fair - Light - Pale
Rich Black, Dark brown, Warm beige, Pale pink…
If you’re looking to get more specific than “brown,” modifiers narrow down shade further.
Keep in mind that these modifiers are not exactly colors.
As an already brown-skinned person, I get tan from a lot of sun and resultingly become a darker, deeper brown. I turn a pale, more yellow-brown in the winter.
While best used in combination with a color, I suppose words like “tan” “fair” and “light” do work alone; just note that tan is less likely to be taken for “naturally tan” and much more likely a tanned White person.
Calling someone “dark” as description on its own is offensive to some and also ambiguous. (See: Describing Skin as Dark)
Undertones
Undertones are the colors beneath the skin, seeing as skin isn’t just one even color but has more subdued tones within the dominating palette.
pictured above: warm / earth undertones: yellow, golden, copper, olive, bronze, orange, orange-red, coral | cool / jewel undertones: pink, red, blue, blue-red, rose, magenta, sapphire, silver.
Mentioning the undertones within a character’s skin is an even more precise way to denote skin tone.
As shown, there’s a difference between say, brown skin with warm orange-red undertones (Kelly Rowland) and brown skin with cool, jewel undertones (Rutina Wesley).
“A dazzling smile revealed the bronze glow at her cheeks.”
“He always looked as if he’d ran a mile, a constant tinge of pink under his tawny skin.”
Standard Description Passage
“Farah’s skin, always fawn, had burned and freckled under the summer’s sun. Even at the cusp of autumn, an uneven tan clung to her skin like burrs. So unlike the smooth, red-brown ochre of her mother, which the sun had richened to a blessing.”
-From my story “Where Summer Ends” featured in Strange Little Girls
Here the state of skin also gives insight on character.
Note my use of “fawn” in regards to multiple meaning and association. While fawn is a color, it’s also a small, timid deer, which describes this very traumatized character of mine perfectly.
Though I use standard descriptions of skin tone more in my writing, at the same time I’m no stranger to creative descriptions, and do enjoy the occasional artsy detail of a character.
Creative Description
Whether compared to night-cast rivers or day’s first light…I actually enjoy seeing Characters of Colors dressed in artful detail.
I’ve read loads of descriptions in my day of white characters and their “smooth rose-tinged ivory skin”, while the PoC, if there, are reduced to something from a candy bowl or a Starbucks drink, so to actually read of PoC described in lavish detail can be somewhat of a treat.
Still, be mindful when you get creative with your character descriptions. Too many frills can become purple-prose-like, so do what feels right for your writing when and where. Not every character or scene warrants a creative description, either. Especially if they’re not even a secondary character.
Using a combination of color descriptions from standard to creative is probably a better method than straight creative. But again, do what’s good for your tale.
Natural Settings - Sky
Pictured above: Harvest Moon -Twilight, Fall/Autumn Leaves, Clay, Desert/Sahara, Sunlight - Sunrise - Sunset - Afterglow - Dawn- Day- Daybreak, Field - Prairie - Wheat, Mountain/Cliff, Beach/Sand/Straw/Hay.
Now before you run off to compare your heroine’s skin to the harvest moon or a cliff side, think about the associations to your words.
When I think cliff, I think of jagged, perilous, rough. I hear sand and picture grainy, yet smooth. Calm. mellow.
So consider your character and what you see fit to compare them to.
Also consider whose perspective you’re describing them from. Someone describing a person they revere or admire may have a more pleasant, loftier description than someone who can’t stand the person.
“Her face was like the fire-gold glow of dawn, lifting my gaze, drawing me in.”
“She had a sandy complexion, smooth and tawny.”
Even creative descriptions tend to draw help from your standard words.
Flowers
Pictured above: Calla lilies, Western Coneflower, Hazel Fay, Hibiscus, Freesia, Rose
It was a bit difficult to find flowers to my liking that didn’t have a 20 character name or wasn’t called something like “chocolate silk” so these are the finalists.
You’ll definitely want to avoid purple-prose here.
Also be aware of flowers that most might’ve never heard of. Roses are easy, as most know the look and coloring(s) of this plant. But Western coneflowers? Calla lilies? Maybe not so much.
“He entered the cottage in a huff, cheeks a blushing brown like the flowers Nana planted right under my window. Hazel Fay she called them, was it?”
Assorted Plants & Nature
Pictured above: Cattails, Seashell, Driftwood, Pinecone, Acorn, Amber
These ones are kinda odd. Perhaps because I’ve never seen these in comparison to skin tone, With the exception of amber.
At least they’re common enough that most may have an idea what you’re talking about at the mention of “pinecone.“
I suggest reading out your sentences aloud to get a better feel of how it’ll sounds.
“Auburn hair swept past pointed ears, set around a face like an acorn both in shape and shade.”
I pictured some tree-dwelling being or person from a fantasy world in this example, which makes the comparison more appropriate.
I don’t suggest using a comparison just “cuz you can” but actually being thoughtful about what you’re comparing your character to and how it applies to your character and/or setting.
Wood
Pictured above: Mahogany, Walnut, Chestnut, Golden Oak, Ash
Wood can be an iffy description for skin tone. Not only due to several of them having “foody” terminology within their names, but again, associations.
Some people would prefer not to compare/be compared to wood at all, so get opinions, try it aloud, and make sure it’s appropriate to the character if you do use it.
“The old warlock’s skin was a deep shade of mahogany, his stare serious and firm as it held mine.”
Metals
Pictured above: Platinum, Copper, Brass, Gold, Bronze
Copper skin, brass-colored skin, golden skin…
I’ve even heard variations of these used before by comparison to an object of the same properties/coloring, such as penny for copper.
These also work well with modifiers.
“The dress of fine white silks popped against the deep bronze of her skin.”
Gemstones - Minerals
Pictured above: Onyx, Obsidian, Sard, Topaz, Carnelian, Smoky Quartz, Rutile, Pyrite, Citrine, Gypsum
These are trickier to use. As with some complex colors, the writer will have to get us to understand what most of these look like.
If you use these, or any more rare description, consider if it actually “fits” the book or scene.
Even if you’re able to get us to picture what “rutile” looks like, why are you using this description as opposed to something else? Have that answer for yourself.
“His skin reminded her of the topaz ring her father wore at his finger, a gleaming stone of brown, mellow facades.”
Physical Description
Physical character description can be more than skin tone.
Show us hair, eyes, noses, mouth, hands…body posture, body shape, skin texture… though not necessarily all of those nor at once.
Describing features also helps indicate race, especially if your character has some traits common within the race they are, such as afro hair to a Black character.
How comprehensive you decide to get is up to you. I wouldn’t overdo it and get specific to every mole and birthmark. Noting defining characteristics is good, though, like slightly spaced front teeth, curls that stay flopping in their face, hands freckled with sunspots…
General Tips
Indicate Race Early: I suggest indicators of race be made at the earliest convenience within the writing, with more hints threaded throughout here and there.
Get Creative On Your Own: Obviously, I couldn’t cover every proper color or comparison in which has been “approved” to use for your characters’ skin color, so it’s up to you to use discretion when seeking other ways and shades to describe skin tone.
Skin Color May Not Be Enough: Describing skin tone isn’t always enough to indicate someone’s ethnicity. As timeless cases with readers equating brown to “dark white” or something, more indicators of race may be needed.
Describe White characters and PoC Alike: You should describe the race and/or skin tone of your white characters just as you do your Characters of Color. If you don’t, you risk implying that White is the default human being and PoC are the “Other”).
PSA: Don’t use “Colored.” Based on some asks we’ve received using this word, I’d like to say that unless you or your character is a racist grandmama from the 1960s, do not call People of Color “colored” please.
Not Sure Where to Start? You really can’t go wrong using basic colors for your skin descriptions. It’s actually what many people prefer and works best for most writing. Personally, I tend to describe my characters using a combo of basic colors + modifiers, with mentions of undertones at times. I do like to veer into more creative descriptions on occasion.
Want some alternatives to “skin” or “skin color”? Try: Appearance, blend, blush, cast, coloring, complexion, flush, glow, hue, overtone, palette, pigmentation, rinse, shade, sheen, spectrum, tinge, tint, tone, undertone, value, wash.
Skin Tone Resources
List of Color Names
The Color Thesaurus
Skin Undertone & Color Matching
Tips and Words on Describing Skin
Photos: Undertones Described (Modifiers included)
Online Thesaurus (try colors, such as “red” & “brown”)
Don’t Call me Pastries: Creative Skin Tones w/ pics I
Writing & Description Guides
WWC Featured Description Posts
WWC Guide: Words to Describe Hair
Writing with Color: Description & Skin Color Tags
7 Offensive Mistakes Well-intentioned Writers Make
I tried to be as comprehensive as possible with this guide, but if you have a question regarding describing skin color that hasn’t been answered within part I or II of this guide, or have more questions after reading this post, feel free to ask!
~ Mod Colette
The 7 Offensive Mistakes link at the end is broken, but I found a link to a tumblr post that reposted it from the same website
It’s always a good day to reblog this
PROMPTS FOR THE HEAVY HEARTED
the burdened:
“ being alive is exhausting. ”
“ i ruin everything i touch. ”
“ no one ever helped me when i needed it. so, i just. try to do my best to keep others from feeling that kind of loneliness. ”
“ i feel like the pain is all i am anymore. ”
“ i wish i remembered anything other than loneliness. ”
“ i’m not a particularly good person. but sometimes i wish someone would think i am. ”
“ i’m just always the one who gets left behind. ”
“ i never seem to belong anywhere. or to anyone. ”
“ i’m alone. and it’s my own fault. but it doesn’t make it hurt any less. ”
“ i don’t know how to just live. i constantly feel like i’m waiting for the other shoe to drop. ”
“ i always expect people to hurt me. because they usually do. ”
“ i don’t know how to let go of my trauma. i don’t know what i am without it. ”
“ it’s better if i’m alone. i can’t hurt anyone if there’s no one close enough to get hit by the debris of my fuck ups. ”
“ there are just too many people depending on me. i can’t rest. i can’t let them down. ”
“ i don’t have anything or anyone left anymore. ”
“ i’m not strong. or brave. i survive ‘cause there’s not really any other choice. ”
“ i tried to give up before. but the universe just didn’t let me. ”
“ i just want to be done. i’m tired. i’m so, so fucking tired. ”
“ i know it’s selfish. but i wish someone would just take care of me. ”
“ every time i start to feel like things are getting quieter and i can feel safe, something bad always happens. ”
“ i tend to love people more than they love me. and it’s okay. i don’t mind but…it can be lonely. ”
“ i just don’t feel like my life makes any difference to anyone. i’m just here. ”
the comforter:
“ hey, look at me. i’m listening. you can tell me anything. ”
“ how can i help you feel less alone? ”
“ i’m here and i’m not leaving or letting you change the subject. now talk to me. ”
“ i know you feel like you’re alone and i’m not going to invalidate that. but i can tell you that i’m here. and i know there are people who want to care and help if you’ll let them. ”
“ whatever it is you’re struggling with, i want to help and it’s not going to make me look at you any different. ”
“ i like having you around. and not because of what you can do for me or give to me— i like you. i value you as a person. ”
“ i just need you to know that you’ve never been ‘nobody’ to me. you’ve never been nothing. ”
“ you’re important to me. you hear me? you’re important. and that’s never gonna change. ”
“ i’m not going anywhere until you get some sleep. ”
“ i want to take care of you. please, let me. ”
“ no one is meant to be all alone. that’s not how humans are built. you don’t need to do all this on your own. ”
“ you don’t deserve the bad things that happen to you. you never did. ”
“ i can’t promise you aren’t going to have any more hardship. but i can promise i’m gonna be right here to get your through it. ”
“ you make a difference in my life. i’m not just saying that. it wouldn’t be the same without you here and i don’t want to find out what it’d be like to not have you around. ”
“ next time it gets this bad, you call me okay? now you just sit there and i’m gonna make you some tea and soup and we’re gonna talk this out. ”
“ is it getting bad again? ”
“ you are so much stronger and braver than you think. ”
Writing Websites
1. a website with a list of superpowers and what they are
2. a website that generates random au ideas
3. a website that generates names, basic info and futures in a bunch of languages
4. a website that checks your grammar
5. website that lists types of execution in the states
6. a website with info on death certificates
7. a website with info on the four manners of death
8. a website with info on the black plague
9. website with information on depression
10. a website with info on the four types of suicide
11. website that lists famous quotes
12. website with different kinds of quotes
13. a website with info on food in every country
14. a website with a list of different colors
15. website with a list of medieval jobs
16. website with a list of fabrics
17. website with a list of flowers and pictures
18. website with a list of flowers and no pictures
19. website with a list of poisonous plants
20. website with a list of poisonous and non-poisonous plants
21. website with a list of things not to feed your animals
22. website with a list of poisons that can be used to kill people
23. website with info on the international date line
24. website with a list of food allergies
25. website with a list of climates
26. website with info on allergic reactions
27. website with info on fahrenheit and celsius
28. website with info on color blindness
29. website with a list of medical equipment
30. website with a list of bugs
31. website with an alphabetic list of bugs and their scientific name
32. website with a list of eye colors
33. website (wikipedia sorry) with list of drinks
34. website with a list of religions
35. website with a list of different types of doctors and what they do
36. website (wikipedia again sorry) with a list of hair colors
37. website that generates fantasy names
38. website with a list of body language
39. website with a list of disabilities
40. website with an alphabetic list of disabilities
REBLOG TO SAVE A WRITER
Reblogging bc i need this but have to study
to my fellow writers!!
OMG
Story Questions and How They Make Your Scenes Better!
After reading Paula Munier’s book Plot Perfect, I discovered Story Questions. Everything suddenly clicked.
Write a story that plants questions into the readers mind— questions that are important enough to keep the audience interested until you choose to answer them. Answer the questions that need to be answered in order for the story to make sense, but postpone the ones that can wait for added suspense and tension! Your readers will never want to put the book down if you do this successfully.
What is a story question? There are three types:
1) The Leading Question (Primary Question)
The main question that the reader is asking that will be answered at the end of the story. It drives the plot. In a romance novel, it might be: will she find her soul mate? Or in a war novel, it might be: will they complete their mission and at what cost?
Examples: Will Dorothy find her way back home and how? Will Romeo and Juliet end up together? Will Frodo destroy the ring and at what costs? Does Elena Gilbert end up with Stefan or Damon Salvatore?
Leading questions aren’t answered until the end, so you need to weave big/small story questions throughout the narrative to keep the audience hooked.
2) The Big Story Questions (Big Scenes & Subplots)
The questions and answers that arise during the big scenes of your book. Every subplot should have a big story question that readers wonder about.
Examples: In Harry Potter, we are curious about the subplot of Snape and if he is evil or good and what is backstory is. His contrasting actions and mystery keeps us intrigued and we want to find out the answers.
Princess Leia is captured and plants an S.O.S message inside of the droid R2D2, we wonder: will the droid find someone to help rescue her and who will it be? Later on, we wonder if Luke will join Obi-Wan on his mission or return to his mundane life. Even further into the story we wonder if Obi-Wan will die or live fighting Vader in an effort to help Luke and his friends. And if he dies… how will it affect Luke?
In Hermione and Ron’s friendship/romantic subplot, we are always silently wondering if they will remain friends or become more.
3) The Little Story Questions (Little Scene)
Smaller, less intense questions that you weave throughout the smaller scenes of your story. Every page of your book should have little story questions, or even every other paragraph if you plan it accordingly. Leave a question in one paragraph and answer it in the next.
Example: [The first paragraph of The Hunger Games]
When I wake up, the other side of the bed is cold. My fingers stretch out, seeking Prim’s warmth but finding only the rough canvas cover of the mattress. She must have had bad dreams and climbed in with our mother. Of course, she did. This is the day of the reaping.
We are already asking little story questions. Who is Prim? What is the reaping? Why is her bed rough, is she underprivileged? As we continue to read, these little story questions are gradually answered giving readers a steady flow of wonder and answer, wonder and answer.
It’s a delicate balance, however. If you forget to answer a story question, or wait too long, it could frustrate your readers. During your scenes, you must anticipate what your readers are wondering/asking and then find the right time to answer/resolve these questions for the best amount of suspense!
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me: i have alexithymia
person: wow i can’t imagine what that must feel like
me: yeah me neither
Relatable- it makes writing hard sometimes lol
